Travel to Buffalo need passport?

[Soyabean]

So I went last year with my friend and i just showed my birth certificate and drivers license. I dont have a passport.

So tomorrow im planning to go shopping there with the gf and wanted to know can i use my birth certificate and drivers license again or do i need a passport?

Thanks

[x_o_k_x]

No you dont need it, have fun shopping! lol
http://www.ppt.gc.ca/index.aspx?lang=eng

[ultimateM3]

I always use my citizenship and D/L when going to Buffalo.

Let me know what is a good there, I might go there next weekend with my gf.

Enjoy.

[Soyabean]

oh man, thanks a lot. I was searching on google for like 10 mins and i couldnt find if i needed it

[laksman91]

like a few others have said a birth certificate and drivers license will be fine

[STeeLy]

You need a passport starting June of next year I believe

[Alan]

Last time I went to Buffalo (approx a month ago), I just brought my DL and Birth Certificate, but the US border agent started giving me a hard time, and said that in a few months that only passports would be accepted.

I don't know how accurate his statement was however.

[lamerking]

June 2009 is when you will need the passport. I would advise getting one now to avoid the rush.

[Cardinal Fang]

I don't know how accurate his statement was however.

He was very correct. Even if you don't have a passport at this moment they can still deny you entry if they any reason to believe that your birth certificate or drivers license maybe in doubt.

When I first got my Canadian Citizenship they gave me this nifty little card laminated that indicated my status in Canada. Before 9/11 they accepted it with a secondary piece of I.D. (my drivers license) without any issues. After 9/11 all that changed. They no longer automatically accept the Citizenship Cards. They can on a whim ignore them an ask for Passport. And they have each and every time with me. So now I carry my passport without question when crossing.

It depends on the boarder guard you get and his *COB factor.


























*= Condition of Bowel.

[p-o-g-i]

What other's have posted is true, but to also clarify.... if you're flying anywhere into the US, you will need a passport... even if it's just Buffalo.

Crossing the boarder by car: driver's license and birth certificate is fine for now.
Crossing the boarder by flight: passport only.

I travel to the states frequently for business....

[x_o_k_x]

You also dont need passport to travel by water to states, only for flights up to June of 2009. And anyone who travels should get passport now, to avoid long line ups. I got mine last year in 2 days lol

[Nextmod]

I always bring it just in case.

[Walrus]

I know quite a few people who have been denied entry due to lack of passport. Border guard was in a bad mood as Fang hinted to above.

A few years ago, shortly after 9/11, a group from my work flew on the company plane to Kentucky, and upon landing one guy was denied entry with BC & DL, no passport. They wouldn't let him sit at the airport while the rest of the guys visited the customer.. the plane had to immediately fly him home.

[Dragazn]

Don't mean to thread jack but I'm hitting buffalo on sep 30 with the GF and was wondering how much goods are we allowed to bring back with out being taxed. I know its dependant on how long you actually stay in the states. We're planning on staying there for one night. Does anyone know or can direct me in the right direction to what I'm looking for? Thanks.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

Don't mean to thread jack but I'm hitting buffalo on sep 30 with the GF and was wondering how much goods are we allowed to bring back with out being taxed. I know its dependant on how long you actually stay in the states. We're planning on staying there for one night. Does anyone know or can direct me in the right direction to what I'm looking for? Thanks.

check this PDF - canada border services declaration card (http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/forms-formulaires/e311-eng.pdf)

it shows the personal exemption limits:

0 < x < 24 hours = $0 (meaning, less than 24 hours you technically aren't exempt from any amount)

24 < x < 48 hours = $50 (between 1 and 2 days, you're exempt $50)

48 hours < x < 7 days = $400 (between 2 and 7 days you're exempt $400)

7 days or higher = $750 (7 days and beyond $750)

note that if you go over the exemptions, you are taxed on the full amount; for example, if you stay 36 hours and claim $50, then you don't have to pay taxes...however, if you stay 36 hours and claim $100, you pay taxes on the full $100.

best thing to do is to answer the border guard's questions promptly and without hesitation (they're looking to see if you have "hiding something" written all over your voice and face)...and claim as close to the total amount spent without overtly lying.

you don't want to be caught for lying as they will blacklist you for 7 years and, if you have any sort of professional designation (i.e. CA, P.Eng, etc), you can, and most likely will, be stripped of your designation for lack of integrity.

[All-Star]

I just drove to Buffalo (via the Peace Bridge) with my cousin and her husband last Sunday. The three of us presented our passports and experienced no hassle. I've been across the border on tour buses as well. The days of showing your license and birth certificate, expecting to pass easily, are gone. Passports are key!

From Sunday's experience, I had the driver's and left rear passenger windows rolled down all the way so they could clearly see inside. Just like when dealing with police, this shows them you have nothing to hide. I handed all three passports opened to the proper page already. I was calm, a bit humorous towards him and gave short answers. He asked where we were going and for how long, who owns the car, and if there was anything in the trunk. 45 seconds tops and we were on our way.

+1 PASSPORTS!

[All-Star]

Whoops, I said I went last Sunday...I meant last SATURDAY. Not sure if it really makes a difference. Who knows, maybe border officials are nicer on Saturday? Lol.

[x_o_k_x]

man.. last time i went through the border, i got stuck for 2 hours..:complain

[Soyabean]

when i came home on monday i was there for like 1 min. He asked what i was doing, how long i was here for, how much did i spend, any alcohol or cigs, and then let me go with no duty :D I "claimed" that i spent $230 though...... hahha

[Soyabean]

you don't want to be caught for lying as they will blacklist you for 7 years

Thats me, im on the list hahahah.

[cwp_sedan]

Yeah Canadian Customs Officers are always better than the US. I ALWAYS have my trunk searched when going to the US but barely ever get bothered when coming back.